THE STRIKE ZONE

Protecting your teammates might seem noble, but it can be equally dumb.

Very early in the 2017 MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks were visiting the San Francisco Giants. Buster Posey, the Giants' All-Star catcher and arguably best player, took a 96 mph fastball to the helmet while at bat and ended up on the 7-day concussion disabled list. It was obviously unintentional.

The next day, during the next game, Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija decided to abide by the unwritten rules in baseball. While facing Paul Goldschmidt, the Diamondbacks' first baseman and best player, Samardzija threw a fastball that hit Goldschmidt in the rear end. Both players just went about their business under the assumption that this was understood due to the the recent history.

This unwritten rule is probably one of the dumbest rules in baseball.

Why does retribution hold such a high priority to ballplayers? It makes no sense whatsoever. An eye for an eye has been denounced many times in history, regardless of context of religion or politics. And yet, barbaric instincts take over and govern those who are getting paid to entertain us.

Do these athletes, who have their financial futures set for generations, really need to care about the protection of their colleagues? It sets a horrible example for the youth who watch, especially because they emulate their athletic role models.

It's time for athletes to start looking at the big picture, rather than just considering their short-sighted and selfish agenda.